1. Discuss the issues that RojaAHP was facing and which measures they had to take to eliminate them. How did the corporate culture and the owners’ under- lying values clash with the national culture?

2. Which ethical principles does RojaAHP follow and how did/does this contribute to their corporate strategy and success?

3. Analyse the stakeholder groups of RojaAHP and discuss their influence. Which problems can you foresee coming from which groups and which solutions do you propose to RojaAHP?

4. Propose most suitable organization structure for RojaAHP that can ensure the higher organizational performance

 

Philip Albers (*12 March 1982 in Cologne, Germany) His mother a publisher and his father a forensic doctor, Philip followed in his father's admiration for Ernest Hemingway's writings. His dream was to become a cor- respondent in troubled areas, war-torn countries, and to help with his journalistic work. Let the world know what was really happening! When he met Hannah, that dream was pushed into a corner by his desire to marry this outstanding exuberant woman, to move around the world with her and take any writing assignment that presented itself. The Trio Hannah finished her Master of Science in Pharmaceu- tical Science and Chemistry in Loughborough, UK in 2008 (LBORO 2016), Philip graduated one year later with a Master of Arts in Publishing from University College London, UK (UCL 2016). Ali graduated with a Master of Engineering in Technical Management from the University of Applied Sciences in Cologne (RFH 2016). They saw each other regularly during this time and Hannah and Philip mar- ried in Gretna Green only a few weeks after graduation with Ali as their groomsman. In 2009, Haryette Albers was born in Guatemala during a volunteer stay at Casa Guatemala. Hannah and Philip stayed another 6 months (Casa Guate- mala 2016) and then moved on to La Antigua to discover this city inspired by the Italian Renaissance. (UNESCO 2016) They stayed with locals and were fully immersed in this traditional, Catholic society where rules and laws seemed to regulate just about anything (The Hofstede Cen- tre 2016), and yet where the people were spirited, hospita- ble, forgiving and ever-friendly towards foreigners. Dozens of Skype conferences from the small internet caf La Parada in La Antigua, long emails and months of planning later, their plan was finalized. RojaAHP Their start-up would produce fine cosmetics with goat milk and saffron, luxurious and sensual. Hannah had already devised some recipes. They would need carrier oils, shea butter, emulsifiers, fragrances, some other additives, saffron and goat milk. The idea was to use solely organic, sustainable ingredients and to source the ingredients at fairly low cost. Goat population in Iran was increasing (Valizadeh 2010), and they were sure most other ingredients could also be sourced locally. It was clear from the beginning that RojaAHP would tolerate no child labour or animal test- ing; instead, they would provide a safe place for women to work. Their long-term goal was to also provide on-site childcare facilities so that women would have an easy time finding employment with them while not having to worry about their offspring. Workers in Iran receive wages of about 10 mio Rial (something like 300 Euros) per month; the other employees would be paid around 60 mio Rial per month. 1.0 Hannah read in a German newspaper in 2010 that women in Tehran spend two billion dollars on cosmet- ics. Some institute had found out that women spend 1% of their monthly income and even Iranian men use anti-age creams, expensive aftershaves and face masks. (Borgstede 2010) They decided to set up their headquarter in Isfahan, in an abandoned factory Ali was hoping to buy for very little money. A distant uncle had connections to the previous owner. Apart from very few expected local sales, they'd transport their luxurious goods with trucks to Tehran and distribute via local perfumeries, stores and hotels. Once possible, they would expand and export to the Nether- lands, Germany and the UK. 2011 February Hannah was so excited. She was finally here, in Tehran! Her parents had left her the Old Plantation and her lawyer had secured a fine deal when he sold it to some celebrity. With high spirits and only a suitcase with the bare necessities, she strode out of Tehran Mehrabad Airport. She pulled the hijab somewhat tighter around her face, holding it with one hand. Ali had warned her not to wear it too loosely. Suddenly, two women with chador approached her from a small group of people and addressed her; while she turned to look at them, her hijab came loose and a blond wisp of hair escaped. One of the women inhaled sharply and her tone turned sharp. In her life, Hannah had learned several bits of several languages, but this fast, guttural Farsi made no sense to her. She responded in slow, regulated Amer- ican, "I am sorry but I do not understand you? My name is Hannah Williams. I am an American!" When the old woman stared at her, it occurred to Hannah that she was in trouble. Her attire was not suitable enough, her voice sounded frantic, and thus probably cheeky, and she had promptly forgotten any Farsi Ali had taught her.